Adverse Consequences of Right Ventricular Apical Pacing and Novel Strategies to Optimize Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Function

Several studies have focused on the deleterious consequences of Right Ventricular Apical (RVA) pacing on Left Ventricular (LV) function, mediated by pacing-induced ventricular dyssynchrony. Therapeutic strategies to reduce the detrimental consequences of RVA pacing have been proposed, that includes upgrading of RVA pacing to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), alternative Right Ventricular (RV) pacing sites, minimal ventricular pacing strategies, as well as atrial-based pacing. In developing countries, single chamber RV pacing still constitutes a majority of cases of permanent pacing, and assessment of the optimal RV pacing site is of paramount importance. In chronically-paced patients, it is crucial to maintain as close and normal LV physiological function as possible, by minimizing ventricular dyssynchrony, reducing the chances for heart failure and other complications to develop. This review provides an analysis of the deleterious immediate and long-term consequences of RVA pacing, and the most recent available evidence regarding improvements in pacing options and strategies to optimize LV diastolic and systolic function. Furthermore, the place of advanced echocardiography in the identification of patients with pacing-induced LV dysfunction, the potential role of a new predictor of LV dysfunction in RV-paced subjects, and the long- term outcomes of patients with RV septal pacing will be explored.

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Effects of long-term right ventricular apex pacing on left ventricular dyssynchrony, morphology and systolic function

International Journal of Cardiology ◽

10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.01.042 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Man-kun Xin ◽

peng Gao ◽

Shu-yang Zhang

Keyword(s):

Right Ventricular ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony ◽

Ventricular Dyssynchrony ◽

Right Ventricular Apex

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Is left ventricular superior to right ventricular pacing in children with congenital or postoperative complete heart block?

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery ◽

10.1093/icvts/ivab048 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ch Bharat Siddharth ◽

Jay Relan

Keyword(s):

Right Ventricular ◽

Heart Block ◽

Complete Heart Block ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ventricular Pacing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Right Ventricular Pacing ◽

Rv Pacing

Summary A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘Is left ventricular superior to right ventricular pacing in children with congenital or postoperative complete heart block?’ Altogether, 19 papers were found using the reported search, of which 9 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Two large multicentric showed that site of pacing was the major determinant of left ventricular (LV) function with LV pacing being superior to RV pacing, though the number of patients paced via LV was lesser in comparison to right ventricular (RV). There were 2 prospective, 2 retrospective and 1 cross-sectional studies with fewer patients that demonstrated superiority of LV over RV pacing in preserving LV function. Only 1 small-scale retrospective study showed similar results of LV and RV pacing on LV function. One cross-sectional study showed superiority of LV apical pacing on exercise tolerance. As per the existing literature, LV apex seems to be the most optimal site for epicardial pacing while RV free wall pacing has the highest risk of causing LV dysfunction over the long term. We conclude that LV pacing appears to be superior to RV pacing in terms of long-term effect on cardiac function and ventricular synchrony.

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Acute recoordination rather than functional hemodynamic improvement determines reverse remodelling by cardiac resynchronisation therapy

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1007/s10554-021-02174-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Philippe C. Wouters ◽

Geert E. Leenders ◽

Maarten J. Cramer ◽

Mathias Meine ◽

Frits W. Prinzen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systolic Function ◽

Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Peak Strain ◽

Cardiac Resynchronisation ◽

Reverse Remodelling ◽

Resynchronisation Therapy ◽

Lv Systolic Function

AbstractPurpose: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular (LV) function acutely, with further improvements and reverse remodelling during chronic CRT. The current study investigated the relation between acute improvement of LV systolic function, acute mechanical recoordination, and long-term reverse remodelling after CRT. Methods: In 35 patients, LV speckle tracking longitudinal strain, LV volumes & ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed by echocardiography before, acutely within three days, and 6 months after CRT. A subgroup of 25 patients underwent invasive assessment of the maximal rate of LV pressure rise (dP/dtmax,) during CRT-implantation. The acute change in dP/dtmax, LVEF, systolic discoordination (internal stretch fraction [ISF] and LV systolic rebound stretch [SRSlv]) and systolic dyssynchrony (standard deviation of peak strain times [2DS-SD18]) was studied, and their association with long-term reverse remodelling were determined. Results: CRT induced acute and ongoing recoordination (ISF from 45 ± 18 to 27 ± 11 and 23 ± 12%, p < 0.001; SRS from 2.27 ± 1.33 to 0.74 ± 0.50 and 0.71 ± 0.43%, p < 0.001) and improved LV function (dP/dtmax 668 ± 185 vs. 817 ± 198 mmHg/s, p < 0.001; stroke volume 46 ± 15 vs. 54 ± 20 and 52 ± 16 ml; LVEF 19 ± 7 vs. 23 ± 8 and 27 ± 10%, p < 0.001). Acute recoordination related to reverse remodelling (r = 0.601 and r = 0.765 for ISF & SRSlv, respectively, p < 0.001). Acute functional improvements of LV systolic function however, neither related to reverse remodelling nor to the extent of acute recoordination. Conclusion: Long-term reverse remodelling after CRT is likely determined by (acute) recoordination rather than by acute hemodynamic improvements. Discoordination may therefore be a more important CRT-substrate that can be assessed and, acutely restored.

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Detrimental immediate and long-term clinical effects of right ventricular pacing in patients with myocardial fibrosis

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jeaa356.304 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Saunderson ◽

MF Paton ◽

LAE Brown ◽

J Gierula ◽

PG Chew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Right Ventricular ◽

Pacemaker Implantation ◽

Mechanical Dyssynchrony ◽

Volume Index ◽

Lv Function ◽

P Value ◽

Rv Pacing ◽

Dyssynchrony Index

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Long-term right ventricular (RV) pacing leads to heart failure or a decline in left ventricular (LV) function in up to a fifth of patients. Objectives We aimed to establish whether patients with focal fibrosis detected on late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have deterioration in LV function after RV pacing. Methods We recruited 110 patients (84 in final analysis) into two observational CMR studies. Patients (n = 34) with a dual chamber device and preserved atrioventricular (AV) conduction underwent CMR in two asynchronous pacing modes (AOO & DOO) to compare intrinsic conduction with RV pacing. Patients (n = 50) with high-grade AV block underwent CMR before and 6 months after pacemaker implantation to investigate the long-term effects of RV pacing. Results: The three key findings were 1) Initiation of RV pacing in patients with fibrosis, compared to those without, was associated with greater immediate changes in both LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) (5.3 ± 3.5 vs 2.1 ± 2.4 mL/m2; p < 0.01) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (-5.7 ± 3.4% vs -3.2 ± 2.6%; p = 0.02); 2) Long-term RV pacing in patients with fibrosis, compared to those without, was associated with greater changes in LVESVi (8.0 ± 10.4 vs -0.6 ± 7.3 mL/m2; p = 0.008) and LVEF (-12.3 ± 7.9 vs -6.7 ± 6.2%; p = 0.012); 3) Patients with fibrosis did not experience an improvement in quality of life, biomarkers or functional class after pacemaker implantation. Conclusions Fibrosis detected on CMR is associated with immediate and long-term deterioration in LV function following RV pacing and could be used to identify those at risk of heart failure prior to pacemaker implantation. Characteristics before and after pacing Study 1 No fibrosis (n = 16) Fibrosis (n = 18) AOO DOO p-value AOO DOO p-value LVEDVi - mL/m² 66 ± 13 66 ± 12 0.67 78 ± 14 79 ± 13 0.34 LVESVi - mL/m² 30 ± 10 32 ± 9 0.003 38 ± 11 43 ± 12 <0.001 LVEF - % 56 ± 6 53 ± 5 <0.001 52 ± 8 47 ± 9 <0.001 Mechanical Dyssynchrony index - ms 61 ± 17 71 ± 25 0.07 81 ± 18 89 ± 21 0.04 Study 2 No fibrosis (n = 19) Fibrosis (n = 31) Pre-PPM Post-PPM p-value Pre-PPM Post-PPM p-value LVEDVi -mL/m² 88 ± 21 73 ± 14 <0.001 90 ± 18 83 ± 21 0.007 LVESVi -mL/m² 35 ± 9 34 ± 9 0.71 41 ± 14 49 ± 21 0.001 LVEF - % 60 ± 5 54 ± 7 <0.001 56 ± 8 43 ± 12 <0.001 Mechanical Dyssynchrony index - ms 70 ± 29 81 ± 22 0.15 84 ± 30 98 ± 31 0.03 Abstract Figure. Mechanism for heart failure after pacing

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Pacemaker Induced Cardiomyopathy: An Overview of Current Literature

Current Cardiology Reviews ◽

10.2174/2772432816666210901111616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Callan Gavaghan

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

At Risk ◽

Right Ventricular ◽

Current Literature ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Patients At Risk ◽

Rv Pacing ◽

Clinical Heart Failure ◽

Potential Methods

: Pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) is commonly defined as a reduction in left ventricular (LV) function in the setting of right ventricular (RV) pacing. This condition may be associated with the onset of clinical heart failure in those affected. Recent studies have focused on potential methods of identifying patients at risk of this condition, in addition to hypothesizing the most efficacious ways to manage these patients. Newer pacing options, such as His bundle pacing, may avoid the onset of PICM entirely.

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P797 Assessment of right ventricular systolic function with 3D echocardiography following cardiac resynchronization therapy

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez319.453 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Jenei ◽

E Papp ◽

M Clemens ◽

Z Csanadi

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Right Ventricular ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

3D Echocardiography ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Resynchronization Therapy ◽

S Wave ◽

Ventricular Systolic Function ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background In approximately 30-40% of cases, the left ventricular systolic function does not improve following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT; non-responders). Currently, the role of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is not yet completely clear in the background. Our aim was to assess the RV systolic function with 3D echocardiography in CRT patients. Methods We selected 19 patients who received CRT in our department between May and June 2017, and whose 1-year follow-up data were available. We characterized several 2D parameters of RV systolic function, such as RV free wall strain (RV GLSFW), annular s’ wave velocity (TDI s), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (RV FAC). A number of 3D parameters were also assessed, such as RV ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes, using a dedicated RV analysis software. Moreover, we measured the LV EF and considered the patients "responder", when the LV EF improved with at least 10% after CRT implantation. Results From 19 patients, 12 was identified as responders (R) and 7 as non-responders (NR). No significant difference was seen in the mean age of patients in the two groups (NR: 68 ± 6 year; R: 67 ± 9 year, p = 0.76), however, the proportion of male individuals was higher in the NR group (8/12 vs. 1/7). The RV EF was higher in the R group (41 ± 8% vs.29 ± 10%; p = 0.012), while the EDV or ESV did not differ between the two groups. The RV GLSFW (–21.2 ± 7% vs.–13.9 ± 7%, p = 0.045) and the TAPSE (16.8 ± 5 mm vs.11.4 ± 3 mm, P = 0.03) values were significantly different between the two groups. Based on logistic regression analysis, the RV EF was an independent predictor of non-respondence. Conclusions The lower RV EF indicates non-respondence to CRT, however, it is not associated with RV dilation, i.e.adverse remodelling. These results suggest mechanical abnormality of RV function in the background of impaired EF.

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Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis in Patients With Poor Left Ventricular Function

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.100.suppl_2.ii-1 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 100 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Julian Collinson ◽

Michael Henein ◽

Marcus Flather ◽

John R. Pepper ◽

Derek G. Gibson

Keyword(s):

Aortic Stenosis ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Valve Prosthesis ◽

Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography ◽

Early Improvement ◽

Lv Dysfunction ◽

Lv Systolic Function ◽

Fractional Shortening

Background —Long-standing aortic stenosis causes significant left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, which may progress irreversibly. In many cases, LV function can be salvaged by aortic valve surgery, although debate exists regarding the best valve prosthesis to use. Methods and Results —We studied 33 patients retrospectively who had significant aortic stenosis and impaired LV systolic function, as assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Patients were assessed preoperatively and before discharge from the hospital. A total of 20 patients received a stentless (homograft or Toronto) valve, and 13, a stented valve. No patient had significant aortic regurgitation or other valvular disease. Preoperatively, fractional shortening was 18.8±5.5% in the stentless group and 18.6±3.8% in the stented group. Postoperatively, it was 25.6±6.9% ( P <0.001 compared with baseline) and 17.0±2.8%, respectively ( P <0.001 compared with stentless group). Fractional shortening improved because of a reduction in LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions in the stentless group. Systolic long axis function at the LV free wall also recovered, with an increase in systolic excursion and both peak shortening and lengthening rates. No change was noted in mitral valve Doppler patterns. Conclusions —Patients who received a stentless valve demonstrated a significantly greater early improvement in LV systolic function compared with those who received a stented valve.

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